Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 1st, 2013 4:01PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Watch for isolated wind slabs in features with high consequences in particular sheltered ledges or convex rolls at the top of an ice pitch. Early season ski conditions and lots of unseen hazards under the snow.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Minimal snow amounts and menacingly cold temperatures forecast for mid week.

Snowpack Summary

3-4cm of new snow over variable sized hard wind slab in lee features at all elevations. Snowpack ranges from 5-100cm. 4cm Rain crust observed today at 2100ms at ground to 40cm above ground.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed in the forecast area.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Wind Slabs

Hard wind slabs pressed into lee and cross loaded features at tree line and above.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

4cm thick rain crust found below tree line and up to 2700ms. No new avalanches have been observed on this layer.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 2nd, 2013 4:01PM